Hanwha Q Cells' cell architecture, called Q.ANTUM, is based on rear-side passivation.

Starting from efficiencies of 17.7 percent in March, the companies in October reached a maximum efficiency of 19.1 percent using 1366's kerfless, drop-in, 156-mm multicrystalline wafers, which are formed directly from molten silicon.

In addition to reducing manufacturing costs, the technology is compatible with 60 percent of the photovoltaics market, which could enable cell and panel manufacturers to adopt the technology without adding new equipment. The efficiency result was independently confirmed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.

Hanwha Q Cells has been applying its Q.ANTUM cell process using 1366's wafers on the pilot line in its Technology & Innovation Headquarters in Germany.

The 1.4 percent efficiency gain in seven months shows the potential that lies in combining the unique technologies from both companies, said Daniel Jeong, head of global R&D at Hanwha Q Cells.

Hanwha Q Cells offers a range of photovoltaic products, applications and technologies, from modules to kits to systems to large scale solar power plants. The company is the flagship subsidiary of the Hanwha Group, and is also engaged in downstream development and engineering, procurement and construction business.

Headquartered in Bedford, Mass., 1366 Technologies applies lean manufacturing processes to the production of silicon wafers for solar cells.